CHC Healthcare

SteroidsSee also:Natural Alternative to Steroids and AntibioticsSteroids are used in dogs for allergies, spinal inflammation, brain swelling and inflammation, immune mediated diseases, inflammation from arthritis, and stomach and intestinal inflammation. Symptoms of such are usually relieved in a short period of time. Some of the more commonly used drugs of this class include Prednisone, Prednisolone, Medrol, Dexamethasone, and Triamcinolone.

However, there are many unwanted side effects which accompany steroid use.

If steroids are given for more than two weeks, you run the risk of suppressing the dog’s adrenal cortex. With large doses, the function of the adrenal glands will be suppressed. If the steroids are abruptly stopped, the body cannot restore adrenal function quickly enough, and temporary adrenal insufficiency (a condition similar to Addison's disease) results. Also when stress occurs, the body is not able to stimulate the additional production of corticosteroids that are needed. The dose must be tapered off.

Steroids in pharmacological doses over a prolonged period of time can cause Cushing's syndrome. The retention of sodium and water also leads to hypertension and weight gain.

Due to the significant anti-inflammatory effect of steroids, infections may be marked and become severe before producing recognisable symptoms. When an infection develops in a patient taking steroids it tends to spread quickly as the immune system is suppressed and may not be diagnosed in the early stages. Humans taking high doses of steroids are likely to be advised to avoid exposure to all sources of infection and avoid people who have been vaccinated in the past three months, in particular with oral polio vaccine.

Steroids increase the risk of gastric disturbance and symptoms may range from a mild effect on taste to dyspepsia (heart burn). Peptic ulceration may develop as a consequence of long-term corticosteroid therapy. Patients who have a history of peptic ulcers are prone to a recurrence of the condition and also run the risk of bleeding and perforation.

Skin changes are common side-effects of steroids. Thinning of the skin, a tendency to bruise easily and extensively with slight trauma are common. Also decreased muscle mass and weakness may occur. Steroids also interrupt or delay healing. There is also likely to be hair thinning or loss but these effects are reversible once steroid treatment is complete.

Corticosteroids can result in bone loss and fractures.

Changes in mental state are likely to result from steroids. Mild mental changes are occasionally observed after a few days of treatment and may include excitation, euphoria, hypomania and insomnia. Patients initially on high steroid doses maybe become manic, excitable and incur personality changes. Humans on steroids, for example, may appear extremely cheerful, talkative, have boundless energy, make impulsive decisions and feel the need for significantly less rest or sleep.

Individuals on steroids are less able to respond to stress due to their effects on the adrenal cortex, which can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure.

Cataracts and glaucoma are known potential side effects of steroids.

Pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, joint or muscle pain may be masked by the drug's anti-inflammatory effect and the patient may feel significantly better and pain-free. However these painful conditions may reappear rapidly and suddenly after the tapering or cessation of steroid dosage.

In certain circumstances, steroids save lives. In other circumstances, there are safer alternatives. A dog with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, for example, is unlikely to survive without aggressive steroid therapy.

I don’t think that vets give steroids lightly any more. They are more likely to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. However, these too come with risks, including potential death.

If your dog is in a life or death situation, steroids might just save his life. If his condition isn’t immediately life-threatening, you might consider consulting an holistic vet to see if alternative treatments are available for his condition. You can ask your regular vet for a referral. Or after taking advice it may be simply a question of choosing the right products that don't come with side effects.Back to:Ill-Health & DiseaseA to Z